Thomas Jefferson Park

CITIGROUP AND PARKS & RECREATION FORM POTENT PARTNERSHIP

In October 2003, Citigroup Inc. participated in the national volunteer project, "Make a Difference Day," working with Parks & Recreation to spruce up Thomas Jefferson Park. This was the genesis of what has become an ongoing, successful partnership between Parks & Recreation and Citigroup.

In the summer of 2004, Parks & Recreation partnered with Citigroup to create a Financial Literacy Program. Mary Polemarhakis, Director of Program Development for Central Recreation, worked closely with Judith Binney, Citigroup’s Director of Global Volunteer Initiatives, to pilot a program in six recreation centers citywide. Citigroup volunteers taught teens and Afterschool children from their Financial Education curriculum, and covered topics ranging from "Where Does My Money Go?" to "Making Money Grow."

While teaching the Teens at Parks group at Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center, Citigroup’s Vice President of Human Resources Systems, Ashley Kelloff, noted the center’s lack of computer facilities. She generously arranged to donate computers through Citigroup Private Bank.

"I am thilled with the generosity of Citigroup, which donated these computers to Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center," said Deputy Commissioner for Management and Budget Robert Garafola. "These computers will act as a catalyst, opening up the world of technology, literacy and educational opportunity for many of the children and adults who are members of this wonderful recreation center."

The donated computers will make it possible to connect Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center to Parks & Recreation’s Computer Resource Center system. The availability of these facilities will greatly enhance all aspects of the Afterschool, Teens at Parks, Adults and Seniors programs. During the Afterschool program, participants will use the computers to conduct research for school assignments and reports, prepare their homework and improve their language, writing and reading skills. Teens can learn resume preparation, digital photography, video post production, and web design. Seniors will be able to connect with friends on the Internet, write newsletters, poetry and articles for local newspapers or learn personal accounting/bookkeeping and word processing.

Parks & Recreation is grateful for the spirit of volunteerism and partnership that has contributed so much to the quality and efficacy of many of its youth programs.

Written by Mary PolemarhakisDirector of Program Development

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Part of the duty of citizenship is not to beintimidiated into conformity."